Search Privacy Violations, Breaches and Complaints
This database was last updated in December 2015 ago and should only be used as a historical snapshot. More recent data on breaches affecting 500 or more people is available at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Breach Portal.
VA Southeast Network (VISN 7)
Mentioned in a privacy incident report created by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs on March 27, 2013. Also cited in 225 other reports.
Report ID: PSETS0000087267, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Reported Entity: VISN 07 Tuscaloosa, AL
Issue:
On 03/27/13, the Privacy Officer (PO) was notified by a VA employee that a Release of Information (ROI) clerk received a call from a Veteran stating that when he opened a letter sent to him from the facility, he discovered that another Veterans letter was attached to the back of his appointment letter. The letter contained the other Veteran's full name, last 4 of his SSN, mailing address, and appointment information. Update: 04/08/13:The Veteran will be sent a HIPAA notification.05/22/13:This was determined to be HITECH reportable by VHA Privacy Office.
Outcome:
The HIPAA Notification Letter has been mailed to the veteran effected by this event.Education has been provided to the staff regarding appropriate methods for handling and securing the veteran/patient's sensitive information by the immediate supervisor.Note: The letter sent in error to another veteran has been returned back into our possession.The Privacy Officer is requesting that the ticket be closed.